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Little victim of ice cream store tragedy tucked in one last time

Parents cover young crash victim with a blanket before kissing him goodbye

By Judi Villa, Rocky Mountain News

Published September 10, 2008 at 2:46 p.m.

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Vito Kudlis knelt in front of his son's open casket and wept.

His moans cut through the hushed chapel, his body shaking in grief. "No, no," he wailed.

Then Kudlis and his wife, Eneily, covered their only son, Marten, 3, with a blanket. Kudlis kissed the little boy's head.

And the casket was slowly closed.

"In terms of earthly time, Marten did not live a long life, but in his own way, he was able to touch people in the few years he had," said Rabbi David J. Zucker. "He was in many ways a very special person."

Marten was killed last Thursday after an illegal immigrant driving an SUV broadsided a pickup truck in Aurora, sending both vehicles careening into an ice cream store where the little boy sat by a window.

Also killed were Debbie Serecky, 51, of Aurora, and her best friend, Patricia Guntharp, 49, of Centennial, who were in the truck.

The SUV driver, Francis Hernandez, 23, who was born in Guatemala, has been charged with vehicular homicide.

Wednesday morning, about 100 people packed the chapel at Fairmount Cemetery to say goodbye to Marten, the always-smiling little boy who loved the park, smelling flowers, swimming and climbing.

On the day he died, Marten had ridden a bike by himself for the first time.

"He had a really fun last day," said Nimra Bukhari, 10, who was like a big sister to Marten and was in the ice cream shop with him when he died. "I want everybody to remember he was a good kid."

Marten spent his last hours at the park, swinging on the swings and going down the double slide holding hands with Nimra.

"One, two, three," they counted together before going down.

"I just felt so sad," Nimra said. "I can't believe he actually died in Baskin-Robbins. He loved Baskin-Robbins."

Marten also loved cars, trains, airplanes and pushing buttons - buttons in an elevator or on a car console or anywhere. And tickling. "More, more," he would say.

"The burden that we face today is daunting," Zucker told mourners. "It feels like more than we can bear because it is so shocking, so unreal and so painful. It is a parent's worst nightmare, and yet we know we will not suddenly wake up and find that this was a dream."

Marten's uncle, Edie Kudlis, talked about the boy he called "my little monster" even though Marten was definitely not.

"He put a smile on your face by doing absolutely nothing sometimes," Kudlis said. "His little words . . . would penetrate you and make you laugh. And his hugs, there is no better hugs.

"We're going to miss him every single day forever."

Edie Kudlis said he would miss watching his nephew grow up.

"I'll miss seeing this boy's life," he said. "It was easy to love this little kid."

At the grave site, Vito Kudlis laid his hands on Marten's casket and bent over it.

"I love you," he wept. "I love you, son."

After the service ended, he stayed behind to do what no father should ever have to do: He shoveled dirt into his son's grave.

villaj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2792

Comments

  • September 10, 2008

    3:04 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    almostarmy2003 writes:

    I recommend a firing squad for the POS that took this innocent childs life

  • September 10, 2008

    3:17 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    MiamiCanes writes:

    It’s a very sad story and the loss of a life can never be replaced, yet I am not sure why the writer felt the need to point the fact the driver who caused the accident was an illegal. Do legal citizens not cause accidents? The facts of the case are important to every case when writing a story, but responsible journalism should state a fair yet truthful un-bias story.

  • September 10, 2008

    3:18 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    wyhammertime writes:

    You got my vote !!! Nothing better than a firing squad

  • September 10, 2008

    3:21 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Scott writes:

    almostarmy2003 & wyhammertime,

    Nope, a firing squad is too quick. Make this illegal POS slide into the inferno region slow and painful.

    Scott

  • September 10, 2008

    3:27 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    almostarmy2003 writes:

    We had a place in Baghdad that would have been perfact for him. It was where we "detained" people who ambushed us while on patrol

  • September 10, 2008

    3:36 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Scott writes:

    almostarmy2003,

    Thank you for serving!

    Scott
    PR-2 U.S. Navy 1974-1979

  • September 10, 2008

    3:43 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Tiredofallofyou writes:

    MiamiCanes you are wrong, very wrong ! It matters a lot that he is an illegal alien. It is not clear who messed up yet, Aurora PD, Denver PD or ICE but if he were deported a long time ago this would never have happened !! So it is VERY relevant to the story !

    The next time you start a paragraph with this is very sad…. however, but, yet or any other such word stop to think first, please. It is not sad… “yet” it is just very, very sad and a huge loss.

    And I agree… a firing squad is WAY to good for this waste of a cerebellum. One bullet and his suffering is over. The loved ones of the two woman and this young child will not get off so easy with their suffering.

  • September 10, 2008

    3:55 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    noreally writes:

    I have a 3 year old daughter and I cannot even begin to imagine the pain that the family is in right now. While nothing could possibly ease that pain, it has to hurt that much more knowing that this could possibly have been prevented.

  • September 10, 2008

    4:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    ldestampin writes:

    God Bless You and Keep You In His Arms Forever. I pray you find the strength you need each day to endure this very tragic time in your life. I pray each memory of your child will once again bring you laughter.

    Again God Bless You

  • September 10, 2008

    4:18 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Jennie writes:

    Rocky Mountain News, are you kidding me? I made the same comments regarding Sean May's funeral. Do you really need to live blog from a funeral? I think it is completely tasteless. Let the family grieve in peace.

  • September 10, 2008

    4:31 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dick_Tater writes:

    Of course it matters that Hernandez was here illegally. People are idiots to make that comparison. There are many conclusions that you can draw from that fact. First is that what record he has in incomplete, using multiple aliases and being released without ability to track has left this monster with his freedom too long. Add on to that no license, no insurance and very limited recourse for those injured to sue. No, there is no way to bring these people back. Worse is the re-victimization of the people hurt by this. The perp has ability to run and escape all prosecution. This family's lives have been devastated and there is a good chance this guy will flee ( like he did after the accident ) and never face the crimes he has committed. If he makes it back to Guatemala, we will never see him again. If he were an American, we could force extradition. Just wait, if he makes bail, my money is on that he will never see him again.

  • September 10, 2008

    4:40 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    k2ken45 writes:

    Why is everyone blaming "the illegal?" If Debbie Serecky yielded the right of way there would not have been a car crash. Even if Francis Hernandez had been speeding or ran the red light, Debbie turned in front of him. The crash occurred 100+ feet south of the intersection. She caused the crash but she's dead so blame the living person, who is probably an illegal.

  • September 10, 2008

    4:56 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    theairdog writes:

    K2Ken45: Really? Had this gone to traffic court - Hernandez would have been found guilty of causing the accident, even if he had not ran the red light. It has been ruled many times that people simply cannot see far enough ahead or react fast enough to a car coming at 90 mph.

    What if someone coming from the right or left had been hit? Who would have been in the wrong then? You are only supposed to enter an intersection after it is clear.

    Sounds like you got you "law degree" from watching TV.

    Do me a favor - don't drive.

  • September 10, 2008

    5:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    coarizona writes:

    We can thank our federal government and local Hick/Ritter for this problem. Each side pretends the other didn't do their job. They all failed and do it daily regarding illegal immigration. NO license, no insurance...not our problem. The family should sue all of them. We have no protection of the law. Sanctuary cities don't smell as sweet as the words sound.

  • September 10, 2008

    5:08 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    redwhiteandBLUE writes:

    This is such an emotional story of the three victims that died in the crash. My husband passed away in the hospital so we were able to share our final thoughts, I was able to accept his death
    s l o w l y. A blow to the emotions but when a loved one is..
    "snatched" away suddenly One minute here the next minute gone..that's a
    huge blow....My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kudlis family,
    Debbie and Patricia's family too. Rest in peace..baby boy.

  • September 10, 2008

    5:51 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    daRock writes:

    I attended Marten's funeral today. It was a time for the family to say good bye and share their grief. The service was very simple but very moving. The video of his life shown at the end moved everyone. What a bright, cheerful and wonderful little boy. It was a fitting end to the video watching him enjoy and ice cream cone.

    Thankfully, no politicians.

  • September 10, 2008

    7:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Uno writes:

    1 Hernandez should not be in this country to begin with.
    2 Hernandez should not have been driving without a license.
    3 Hernandez should not have been driving without insurance.
    4 Hernandez was speeding.
    5 According to witnesses he ran a red light.
    6 Based on his rap sheet he should have been in jail last week.

    Does 6 wrongs somehow make a right in some people’s mind? Interesting.

  • September 10, 2008

    8:25 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    wmmjmd writes:

    All I can say is "I'm very sorry for your loss"

  • September 10, 2008

    9:44 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    daRock writes:

    I think a RMN minute by minute blog was very tasteless.

  • September 10, 2008

    9:58 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Francesca writes:

    k2ken45: Amazing. You think you can justify someone running a red light, through a busy intersection at 90+ MPH, and with no driver's license? Then blame one of the accident victims for what... getting in his way? Disgusting! Guessing you're more than just a few years off from being old enough to drive. Mentally at the very least.

    daRock, hear here.

    Sincerest condolences to the affected families.

  • September 11, 2008

    7:32 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    HumanBeans writes:

    k2ken45

    I hope you burn in hell!

  • September 11, 2008

    7:56 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    HollyGoLightly writes:

    I wish I had some profound words of comfort for the families and friends of all the victims. All I can say is I am so very sorry for your loss.

  • September 11, 2008

    8:29 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cowboy63 writes:

    MiamiCanes writes: "Do legal citizens not cause accidents?"

    Yes, but THIS accident (and many others) would never have happened if this guy was deported the FIRST time we caught him. This guy was arrested 15 TIMES before this accident and because some politician didn't want to anger the illegal community there are 3 fresh graves today.

    Get used to burying victims like this poor little guy until WE elect politicians who are willing to do something about it.

    Don't blame Ritter or Hickenlooper - they didn't elect themselves.

  • September 11, 2008

    9:10 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BUCKSHOTT2006 writes:

    Did our big shot governor or mayor bother to attend this funeral or send any condolences to the family, or are they only concerned with the welfare of the criminals and illegals they love so much?

  • September 11, 2008

    9:14 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    The_Punnisher writes:

    Time for the ROCKY and other M$M to fish or cut bait:

    The CORRECT, LEGAL TERM ( as defined by the US Code which is the LAW OF THE LAND ) is ILLEGAL ALIEN!!!

    Use of the terms " undocumented immigrant " and " illegal immigrant " gives another slap in the face to the people who are affected by the ILLEGAL ALIEN.

    Throw away that style sheet and face reality. Many of your ( dwindling ) readers have to face that reality every day.

  • September 11, 2008

    9:30 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BigSky182 writes:

    May God bless you and keep you little one.

    My heart is breaking for the Parents.

    This is a senseless tragedy that should never have happened.

  • September 11, 2008

    10:08 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    timeandagain writes:

    Very sad. I hope that Hick and Ritter read this article...

  • September 11, 2008

    10:31 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    aRe writes:

    This little boy was my son's age. I cannot even fathom the pain and anguish this baby's family must feel. May there be a better place for the pure, young, and innocent.

  • September 11, 2008

    11:23 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BroncoRick69 writes:

    This is extremely sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. To look at it and say "Well if only this person were in jail..." or "If only they hadn't decided to go to Baskin Robbins that day...." is a complete waste of time. When god decides to take his little angels back there is no stopping it.

  • September 11, 2008

    11:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Speak writes:

    Baby boy died and the criminal got his rights read
    to him (yet again), now he's put up in a jail cell with
    3 hots and a cot (yet again).
    Don't forget to vote these bums out of office!

    "On the wings of a snow white dove God sent his
    own true love" R.I.P.

  • September 11, 2008

    12:10 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    COGirl86 writes:

    k2ken45: First off, Debbie Serecky was not driving. That Mazda was Trish's Mazda, and she picked Debbie up. I know both families and my boyfriend and I are to the Guntharp family. How can you say such a thing? Hernandez is no doubt at fault here....HE RAN A RED LIGHT. HELLO? I cant believe you said such a thing. These families are mourning the loss of loved ones because of some idiotic driver who shouldnt be behind the wheel in the first place and you are saying that it is Debbie's fault who wasnt even driving...read up on the story ok? Its people like you who make me sick. God bless all the families involved in this horrific tragedy. Justice will be served.

  • September 11, 2008

    12:32 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    letsgetourcountryback writes:

    This is getting really old, another illegal, does it really surprise anyone?!?! We have got to get control of OUR country, I understand that this country is made up of immigrants, but the key is legal immigrants who came here legally and LEARNED ENGLISH!!! Nowhere do you go and see the need for a Chinese, Russian, German, Mong ect translator, but everything must be in both english and spanish now days because the Lazy illegals coming here to reap the benefits of our social security and welfare systems that we pay for, are too lazy to learn the English language, and we are stupid to let it continue. It will get worse before it gets any better. Unfortunantly I do not see ANY politician doing anything about it, it will eventually have to come down to a civil war, with the Legal citizens banning together to do something about it. I am not a racist, I have many friends that are mexican americans who are here legally and work for a living paying into our social security and welfare systems and speaking english, they are just as mad as the rest of us. It is time to bear our arms and run the illegals out of this country, LETS TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK!!!!!!!!! My sympathies go out to the families that lost their loved ones do to this tragic accident, that would not have happened had the ICS deported this illegal a long time ago.

  • September 11, 2008

    12:46 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    gs writes:

    Judi Villa, Your headline and story did me in for today.

  • September 11, 2008

    3:48 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    ChristinaMcares writes:

    This evil man took away this family's little boy who they loved so dearly, he should live the rest of his life behind bars. I attended the funeral and I want to thank the parents for allowing me to go. I have a little boy the same age and I could not imagine living my life without him, no parent should ever have to go through something like this. I want to let his parents know that my heart aches with theirs and I too had fallen asleep last night and woke today with tears and sorrow. This boy was so beautiful and so innocent and should still be here today in the arms of his mother and father. I will always remeber Marten Kudlis and will think of him everyday.

    Love your family everyday as if it were their last.....

  • September 16, 2008

    3:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    RockyMtnWhiteRat writes:

    Hey k2ken45! I'm quite certain that if you were bent over your son's casket, or throwing dirt on his grave you'd have different feelings!!!

    BTW, you "Outhouse Attorney", why don't you give the "Ol' Strongarm", Franklin Azar a call! I'm sure you could volunteer you obvious Traffic Law Expertise!!!

    One other thing there k2ken45! I don't blame "the illegal" as you so blatantly accuse "EVERBODY" of doing. I blame the sorry excuse of a "MAN" that Francis Hernandez IS!!! I really could give a Rat's A$$ where the guy's from. He could have been born and raised in Aspen for all I care!!!

    UNO hit it right on the head above! He/She said:

    1 Hernandez should not be in this country to begin with.
    2 Hernandez should not have been driving without a license.
    3 Hernandez should not have been driving without insurance.
    4 Hernandez was speeding.
    5 According to witnesses he ran a red light.
    6 Based on his rap sheet he should have been in jail last week.

    RIGHT ON!!!

    Since you're an obvious Traffic Law Expert there k2ken45, did you know that just 3 months ago down in Pueblo, a woman who failed to yield the Right of Way & collided with a motorcyclist who was speeding (120-145 mph) WAS NOT CHARGED!!!!!!! Why do you think that was there Johnny Cochran, because the DA COULD prove that she couldn't see him coming at night!!!!!

    Get a life k2ken45!!!!! This guy deserves every flippin' thing he gets. He!! he should have gotten that over 20 times earlier!!!!!

  • February 24, 2009

    5:58 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    emily_petry writes:

    I'm so sorry to find out this happened to the most prescious member of your family. I hope in time you will heal and come to love more little ones, while always remembering the smile of one who will be an angel for them.

    --Emily in Philly